 Those attending can hear the musician's story of growing up in the
former Soviet Union and adapting to a new life in the U.S. He will
answer questions, talk about how musicians are selected for premium
jobs in major U.S. orchestras, and also perform for the group "up
close and personal."Born and educated in Russia, Mikhail Istomin,
known as Misha, holds a master's degree in music from the St.
Petersburg Conservatory. While still in school, he became principal
cellist of the State Hermitage Orchestra and later joined the
orchestra of the Kirov Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.
In 1987, he became the cellist of the Leningrad Conservatory
String Quartet, and in 1989 the group won the grand prize in the
National Soviet Union Competition of String Quartets. Later that
year, Misha defected during the quartet's U.S. tour and was granted
political asylum in the United States, where he went on to establish
an exceptional musical career, including establishing the acclaimed
Pittsburgh Piano Trio.
Misha was appointed principal cellist of the Pittsburgh Opera and
Pittsburgh Ballet Theater orchestras in 1991, and the following
year, he joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Maestro
Lorin Maazel.
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In July 1998, Misha returned to St. Petersburg to perform in the
Second World Cello Congress under the direction of the renowned
conductor Mstislav Rostropovich.
The Atlanta event begins with a free reception at 6:30 p.m., and
the program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in
advance at the library or at the door on April 5.
Behind the Scenes is sponsored by the Atlanta National Bank and
the City of Atlanta.
[Text from file received from
Cathy Maciariello, Atlanta Public Library] |
